Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFrench far-right leader Marine Le Pen officially launched her presidential campaign in western France, facing a mixed reception of cheers and boos, just one day after a Paris appeals court confirmed her conviction for embezzling EU funds. The appeals court upheld her March 2025 conviction for misusing European Parliament funds to pay party staff but crucially shortened her ban on running for office, enabling her to stand in the upcoming election. During her campaign launch in La Fleche, supporters chanted 'Marine, President!', while detractors jeered 'Give the money back!' and 'Go to jail!', highlighting the deep divisions surrounding her candidacy. Le Pen, who is leading opinion polls for next year's election, dismissed questions about the verdict, stating her campaign's aim is 'France's revival' and betting that voters will overlook her legal issues, similar to how US voters responded to Donald Trump. The court ordered Le Pen to wear an electronic ankle tag for a year, though her announcement of a final appeal to France's highest court has temporarily put this order on hold, with the court expected to rule before the election. In fullMarine Le Pen launches French presidential campaign to cheers and boos after guilty verdictMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMarine Le Pen faces a critical court ruling…

PARIS: After months of uncertainty, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen will learn on Tuesday from a Paris appeal court whether an electoral ban for illicit party financing…

France's far-right chief Marine Le Pen arrived in court Tuesday for a key verdict that will determine if she can run in next year's presidential elections, when her party has its…

France's far-right chief Marine Le Pen is bracing for a key verdict on Tuesday that will determine if she can run in next year's presidential elections, when her party has its…

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen faces a key ruling Tuesday with a Paris appeals court ruling on an EU parliament funds misuse case, which will determine if she can run in…

Marine Le Pen faces a court decision on her appeal regarding EU fund misuse charges. A Paris court previously banned her from elected office for five years. This ruling could…

Paris court to rule on Le Pen’s attempt to overturn ban on holding elected office

The French far-right leader is awaiting an appeal decision over a ban against her standing in the 2027 election

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

The French far-right leader is awaiting an appeal decision over a ban against her standing in the 2027 election

An appeals court shortened the ban on Le Pen, 57, holding public office. But it ordered her to wear an electronic ankle tag for a year, making a presidential campaign politically…

A French appeals court has upheld a conviction on far-right leader Marine Le Pen for misusing EU funds but shortened a ban on her running for elected office, opening the door for…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA French court has shortened Marine Le Pen's…

The court in Paris upholds Marine Le Pen's conviction for misusing EU funds but shortens her ban on running for elected office, potentially re-opening a path for the far-right…

Court shortens electoral ban but custodial sentence could complicate far-right leader’s campaign hopes

The verdict found Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzlement but softened the ban on holding elected office.

A French court has cleared the way for Marine Le Pen to run in the election next year, even though she failed to overturn a conviction for misusing public funds.

A French appeal court on Tuesday upheld Marine Le Pen's conviction for misusing EU funds but shortened her ban on running for public office.

An appeals court ruling technically allows the French far-right leader to run in next year’s election, but she’d have to campaign while under house arrest.

A French appeal court on Tuesday upheld Marine Le Pen's conviction for misusing EU funds but shortened her ban on running for public office, in theory preserving a path for the…